by Crystalmar for the “Life’s a Lawn” summer T-Shirt series in support of the Mann Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia. 

On sale now for $20, on an American Apparel tee. $6 of every purchase will be donated to the Mann. Show your love!

 
by Elizabeth Haidle for the “Life’s a Lawn” summer T-Shirt series in support of the Mann Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia. 

On sale now for $20, on an American Apparel tee. $6 of every shirt purchase will be donated to the Mann. Show your love!

I’m pleased to announce that Blossom Bird by Terry Fan is now on sale. Proceeds from the sale of this shirt will benefit The Valerie Fund, an amazing organization here in the NY/NJ/PA area who runs outpatient centers for kids with cancer.

“Life’s a Lawn” Limited Edition T-Shirts

To Benefit

The Mann Center for the Performing Arts, Philadelphia PA

Creative Brief

We’re looking for artwork like this:

Literal and/or stylized illustrations depicting a large gathering of people, showing a diverse range of colorful characters enjoying a summer outdoor musical experience.

OR

Conceptual illustrations juxtaposing the beautiful power that resides in nature, music, and a shared community. 

Tone & Personality

Casual, fun, and laid-back; happy & upbeat; colorful, fresh, and open

Available Colors & Printing Techniques

Timeline

The T-Shirts will go on sale starting in June 2009

Brand Statement

Life’s a Lawn Brand Brief 

Summer is quickly approaching.  Just minutes from the hustle and bustle of Center City Philadelphia, The Mann offers something for everyone.  It’s a place you can relax, dig your toes into our lush lawn or get up close and personal to world-renowned artists. 

Whether you’re looking for an enchanted evening with The Philadelphia Orchestra or good times with this year’s most popular artist – memorable nights of music at The Mann Center are unfolding once again.  

Life’s A Lawn asserts the notion that The Mann is a cultural campus where communities share a love for great music and the great outdoors. It speaks to the spirit of summertime and the myriad of experiences it fosters. Life’s a Lawn speaks to the notion of a summertime festival in the park for people to getaway from the everyday and connect with the cultural world around them, and inside them. Whether you’re a serious music lover who wants front row seats or just someone who wants to enjoy a picnic under the stars while the music drifts over you, there’s nothing like a fun and festive night al fresco style at The Mann. A colorful memory in the minds of many in the region, Life’s a Lawn speaks to a lifestyle experience that people share when they’ve attended The Mann.

Who does the Mann want to speak to? 

The Mann Center speaks to two broadly-defined consumer segments:

• the classical music audience, which tends to be older, white, highly-educated and highly-paid;
• and a broader socioeconomic strata of sophisticated, knowledgeable, well-educated consumers who deeply enjoy pop and rock music.   

What do people want when they visit the Mann? 

Both audiences want: 

• The best in musical entertainment 
• Artists and repertoire they enjoy
• An outdoor experience. . . with friends 
• A casual, relaxed, open, fresh-air ambiance

What do people currently think of us? 

The Mann Center is OK, but truthfully it feels a little run-down and tired.  I love that the Philadelphia Orchestra plays there – I used to go there as a kid, usually to see the Orchestra with my family — but now it just seems kind of old hat.  Plus, it’s hard to get to, the traffic’s a bear, and the neighborhood isn’t all that great.  Today, I only go there if there’s an act I really want to see.  

What do we want people to think about us? 

The Mann Center provides the best, the premium summer outdoor music experience in Philadelphia, bar none.  It’s nearby & convenient, relaxing & fun — and the music is always top-notch.  All things being equal, I’d pick the Mann over any other place in town. 

What do we want people to feel about us?

The Mann Center is my favorite outdoor musical venue. I just love hanging out there, enjoying a picnic in the sunset, and then kicking back to enjoy a fantastic concert in the open air.  

What do we want people to do?   

• Make attending the Mann Center a regular part of their lives; something they couldn’t imagine not doing a couple of times a year. 
• Support the Mann Center with donations in addition to concert tickets. 
• Become fans – spread the word.

Have Questions? Want to Submit Artwork for this or other T-Shirt Fundraisers?

Contact miguel(at)thropic.com

Heifer International

I’m participating in the Blogger’s Unite / Heifer International event to write a blog post to help end hunger. I LOVE what Heifer is doing with their animal gift program and strongly urge folks to learn about and support their efforts. It is an imaginative approach and a gift that provides expanding returns to those in need. Artist Betty LaDuke has put together some interesting work to support them and tell their story visually.

Philabundance

Philabundance is also a great organization here in the Philadelphia area. Who do they help? Philabundance provides food to approximately 65,000 people per week through a network of close to 600 member agencies. Approximately 23% of the recipients are children and 16% are senior citizens.. How do they do it? When individuals like yourself participate. So help them out today by making a financial donation, a food donation, organize a food drive or volunteer.

In my experience, designers seek inspiration because it makes the work fun. Where does inspiration come from? For me it’s when I’m challenged to make something that I think could push the limits of design or when the artwork has the potential to take on a larger meaning. When an illustration can represent a positive influence in society (a non-profit organization doing great things for example) things have the potential to get really interesting. The art becomes larger than life.